First Aid for Romulans

Posted on Mon Aug 25th, 2025 @ 9:35am by Vaia & Lieutenant Commander S'Lace

1,287 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shoreleave [3-4]
Location: Romulan Teagarden, Organic Sector, DS13
Timeline: Morning - MD05

"...ermal regenerator," S'Lace explained, holding the small medical device up for everyone to see, "This is a standard Federation model but the technology can be found across the Alpha and Beta Quadrants and models are quite similar amongst Klingon, Romulan and Cardassian settlements. It is ideal for treating minor lacerations."

S'Lace set the device down on the tray, "But unfortunately access to such technology is not always available. Today I wish to discuss how to treat injuries in the event you or someone with you has no immediate access to a first aid kit or sickbay. I am talking about techniques that can stabilize an injured person until such time as trained medical personnel can arrive. I will teach you how to arrest blood loss, how to set bone. You will learn how to save lives."

S'Lace was not certain if she was 'laying it on a little thick' as some humans said. What 'it' was, that she never was able to determine. But it was true. She had seen patients die who could have been saved with just a few basic preventative measures. If this station were attacked again, if civilians were denied immediate access to medical care, then they needed to know how to care for themselves...

The Romulans watched on intently. Half the House of Truth was there, ten sisters in all, as well as a dozen parents, half of whom had their children with them. There were also some older Romulans, and a trio of teenagers. Most of the children played out in the Teagarden's biosphere, but those too small to do so remained in their parents care, and were quiet and well-behaved, for the most part.

S'Lace was satisfied that everyone was paying close attention to what she was saying, she continued, "I will now show you how to create a tourniquet and how to apply it to a limb. Even those with the least amount of strength will find that they will be able to apply this technique with a minimum of effort..."

When S'Lace seemed to have finished the main points of the lessons she had described, one of the young Romulans put up her hand. It was Ipae, the young woman who worked at the embassy, and it seemed volunteered everywhere else Romulans were found.

S'Lace appreciated the young woman's enthusiasm. She was curious as to her motivations. Was she genuinely helpful, or was she an agent who used these opportunities to aid other to spy on them? S'Lace did not have enough data to determine which. Yet.

"I've read that some Federation species - Bolians for instance - have corrosive bodily fluids. Are there any additional safety steps we should be taking when applying aide to anyone like that?" Ipae asked.

"It is an excellent query," S'Lace replied to the assembly, "One of the challenges of being a medical professional is the diversity of species we encounter and have to treat. And some, as Ipae has noted, may have traits that could prove harmful to us. Centuries ago before disinfecting fields it was common for all medical professionals to wear protective clothing," she held up her hands, "disposable gloves that helped to protect the medical professional from potential infection, and from spreading infections amongst patients. It may be prudent for us to adopt that practice once more, to have emergency medical kits contain some form of protection," she cocked her head, "Perhaps a spray that coated one's hands with a disposable plastic coating..."

She nodded at Ipea, "This has proven to be a productive exchange," perhaps Ipea was truly what she seemed.

Or she was a very, very talented agent...

Ipae nodded with understanding, making a note on her padd. She continued to listen intently as S'Lace continued, as did the rest of those in attendance.

With the session finished, most of the Romulans began to shuffle towards the exit. Some made thankful calls of Jolan Tru to the Doctor. The Qowat Milat leader Vaia approached her as the exodus continued. "These sessions are becoming popular, Doctor, you have my congratulations. If the numbers continue to grow as they have, we will need to move the next sessions out into the fields."

S'Lace nodded. She was satisfied that this effort to normalize relations between the Federation staff and the Romulan citizenry on board the station was proving to be successful. If there were any detractors she had yet to hear from them. Perhaps if she had been dealing with Klingons there would have been more prideful push back.

"If any of the attendees are inspired by these presentations to pursue more in depth studies then perhaps I could provide them more instruction in one of our Sick Bays," S'Lace offered, paused, then added, "With the Captain and chief of security's permission, of course."

"This is good to hear. I know several of the sisters have been hoping for such an opportunity. I will get some names together and provide them to you." Vaia said, turning to go, discovering the young woman waiting behind her, trying not to look too eager. It was Ipae, who had spoken up earlier. "It looks as though you may have your first applicant." Vaia said with the barest edge of a wry smile.

"Indeed," S'Lace murmured as she regarded the young female Romulan.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Doctor. And I wasn't eavesdropping, but I couldn't help but hear. If it was possible to learn more, I would be very grateful. I have a busy schedule currently, between the embassy and the school, but I'm sure I could make time." Ipae said to the Doctor, trying to balance between eager and polite. She wondered if the Doctor remembered her earlier volunteering during the Goa'uld takeover of the station, but didn't want to bring it up.

S'Lace considered correcting the young woman in that no one "made time", but time did bring about wisdom if one were receptive to it and as one husband had once pointed out, no one liked a smart ass. Instead S'lace replied, "I would be most grateful to have your assistance in Sickbay, but only with an assurance that your presence did not unduly impact your other duties. Perhaps we may begin with short visits to Sickbay to acquaint yourself with the facilities," the barest hint of a smile crossed S'lace's lips, "I would welcome your company once more."

A wide smile crossed Ipae's face, before she brought it under control. "Thank you, Doctor. Ambassador Creon has been encouraging me to take some of my allotted time off, and my work at the school is voluntary. Would it be alright if I send some possible times through the computer?" She asked, not wanting to get ahead of herself, but keen to organise it.

"That would be sensible," S'Lace agreed. She considered 'handing off' the young woman to her subordinates, but that would not do. Not for the first few visits, at any rate. As time went on she could have Ipae work more closely with medical technicians and nurses as she learned the basics of medical care, but first she could 'shadow' S'Lace as she made her rounds.

"Thank you again, Doctor. You'll hear from me soon." Ipae said. "Jolan tru." She turned and was off.

S'Lace watched the young Romulan woman dash off and felt the slightest twinge of...what? Sentimentality? Regret? She had been a parent once, decades ago, lifetimes ago. She had been a good mother, she thought. Should she had tried to be one again?

Was it too late to be one?

It was these questions that occupied a considerable part of her mind as she made her way back to the station's principle Sickbay...

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